It isn’t uncommon for Virginia workers to be required to lift or carry objects as part of their job duties. However, it is imperative that employers and workers make safe lifting a shared priority. Employers should opt for mechanized lifting whenever possible, and workers should opt for mechanized lifting devices when objects are too heavy to lift or carry on their own.
Objects should be within easy reach of anyone who needs to lift or move them. Anyone who is lifting or moving an item should not do so unless it is possible to get a good grip on it. If something is too heavy or awkward to move, it is a good idea to ask for assistance from a manager or coworker. The best way for people to lift something is by crouching and then straightening their legs, rather than by bending over and then straightening their back.
Nobody should attempt to lift an object while standing in an awkward position. Furthermore, it is never a good idea to lift an object if it requires an individual to twist or bend in a less than natural way. The National Safety Council says that there is no sure way to eliminate the odds of an accident occurring. However, companies should create safe lifting guidelines, and deviations from these policies should be corrected as soon as possible.
Unsafe lifting practices could cause back strains, sprains or other types of injuries. Those who are hurt at work may be entitled to file for workers’ compensation benefits that can include the provision of medical care. An attorney can often be of assistance in preparing the required claim and in ensuring that it is filed on a timely basis.